History

Legend has it that the island of Marinduque was formed as a consequence of a tragic love affair between two people: Mariin and Gatduke. Mariin's father, a local chieftain, did not approve of this affair and ordered the beheading[?} of Gatduke. Before this could be done, the couple sailed out to sea and drowned themselves, forming the island now called Marinduque.

During the Spanish and early American occupations, Marinduque was part of Balayan Province (now Batangas) in the 16th century, Mindoro in the 17th century, and had a brief period as an independent province in 1901, when the Americans arrived.

In 1902, the US-Philippine Commission annexed the islands of Mindoro (now two separate provinces) and Lubang (now part of Occidental Mindoro) to the province.

Four months later, the province became part of the province of Tayabas (now Quezon).

On February 21, 1920, Act 2280 was passed by the Philippine Congress, reestablishing Marinduque as a separate province.

In 1942, the Japanese Imperial forces landed in Marinduque.

In 1945, combined American and Philippine Commonwealth troops attacked the Japanese Troops, and liberated Marinduque.

Geography

Marinduque is a heart-shaped island between Tayabas Bay in the north and Sibuyan Sea to the south, situated about 11 miles (18km) from the main island of Luzon. It is 370 square miles (960 km2) making it the 13th largest island in the Philippine archipelago. It is separated from the Bondoc Peninsula in Quezon by the Mompog Pass.

Some of the smaller islands to the northeast are Maniwaya Island, Santa Cruz Island, and Mompong Island. The highest peak in Marinduque is Mt. Malindig (formerly, Mt. Marlanga), a potentially active volcano with an elevation of 1157 meters.

The island has two major seasons—the dry season (November through February) and the rainy season (June through October), with a transitional period in between.

Demography

Marinduqueños are said to be very hospitable in nature and are very welcoming. One such custom reflecting this is putong, which is a custom of welcoming and honoring friends and visitors. The honoree (or honorees) are seated and crowned with flowers while local women dance and sing for them. Other well-wishers throw coins and flower petals for long life. Marinduqueños are of Tagalog origin and speak Tagalog

Culture

The Moriones festival also plays a prominent role in Marinduque's culture. Marinduque is famous for this annual Moriones Festival. During the month of April, parades and celebrations can be seen on the streets. In Buenavista, Gasan, Boac, and Mogpog, a parade of people dressed as Moriones can be seen on the main road connecting the towns of the island. Boac and Sta. Cruz, the biggest town in the province, shows a reenactment in the evening of the actual event when Longinus, a blind soldier, punctures Jesus with his spear and blood droplets from the wound restores Longinus' sight.

Economy

Marinduque is an agricultural province, primarily growing rice and coconuts. It is also a place for handicrafts that is now being exported to dıfferent parts of the world. Fishing is also an important part of the economy. Mining was once an important player in the economy until a mining accident (the Marcopper Mining Disaster) occurred, bringing the industry to a standstill on the island and causing countless amounts of damage to the people and the island.

Tourism also plays a major role in the economy especially during the Lenten season. While not a major source of economy for the island, it has shown great growth.